Support and capsule for preparing a beverage by centrifugation, system and method for preparing a beverage by centrifugation

ABSTRACT

A capsule for preparation of a beverage can include a container and a beverage ingredient contained therein. The container can include at least one support having a section on which a plurality of sequences of symbols is represented; each symbol is sequentially readable, by a reading arrangement of an external device, while the capsule is rotated along an axis of rotation. Each sequence can code a set of information related to the capsule, and at least one of the sequences can include symbols defining a preamble sequence that allows determination of a position of the symbols in the associated sequence coding the set of information related to the capsule. The container can include a cup-shaped body having a flange-like rim and a lid connected to the body, the support can be on a bottom of the rim, and the bottom of the rim can be opposed to the lid.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/785,903 filed Feb. 10, 2020, which is a divisional of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/397,218 filed Jan. 3, 2017, which is adivisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/697,303 filed Nov. 9,2012, which is a National Stage of International Application No.PCT/EP2011/057670 filed May 12, 2011, which claims priority to EuropeanPatent Application No. 10162741.2 filed May 12, 2010 and European PatentApplication No. 10169374.5 filed Jul. 13, 2010, the entire contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to the field of the beverage preparationmachines, in particular using capsules containing an ingredient forpreparing a beverage. The present invention relates in particular tocoding supports adapted to store information related to a capsule,capsules associated with/or embedding coding supports, reading andprocessing arrangements for reading and using such information forpreparing a beverage.

For the purpose of the present description, a “beverage” is meant toinclude any human consumable liquid substance, such as coffee, tea, hotor cold chocolate, milk, soup, baby food or the like. A “capsule” ismeant to include any pre-portioned beverage ingredient or combination ofingredients (hereafter called “ingredient”) within an enclosingpackaging of any suitable material such as plastic, aluminum, arecyclable and/or bio-degradable material and combinations thereof,including a soft pod or a rigid cartridge containing the ingredient.

BACKGROUND

Certain beverage preparation machines use capsules containing aningredient to be extracted or to be dissolved and/or an ingredient thatis stored and dosed automatically in the machine or else is added at thetime of preparation of the drink. Some beverage machines possess liquidfilling means that include a pump for liquid, usually water, which pumpsthe liquid from a source of water that is cold or indeed heated throughheating means, e.g. a thermoblock or the like. Certain beveragepreparation machines are arranged to prepare beverages by using acentrifugational extraction process. The principle mainly consists inproviding beverage ingredient in a container of the capsule, feedingliquid in the receptacle and rotating the receptacle at elevated speedto ensure interaction of liquid with powder while creating a gradient ofpressure of liquid in the receptacle; such pressure increasing graduallyfrom the center towards the periphery of the receptacle. As liquidtraverses the coffee bed, extraction of the coffee compounds takes placeand a liquid extract is obtained that flows out at the periphery of thereceptacle.

Identifying a capsule may be desirable, for instance, to controlparameters in the beverage preparation device such as liquid or beverageflow rate, pressure, rotational speed, temperature and combinationsthereof.

EP0451980 relates to packages containing comestibles for the preparationof beverages. Recognition means can comprise one or more strips of amagnetic material applied to the body of the package which can be readby an appropriate magnetic sensor, one or more shaped or divided areasof metal foil applied to the package body which cause an inductiveeffect on movement of the package in the machine, which inductive effectcan be sensed; or one or more electrically conductive areas formed onthe body of the package which can be sensed electrically.

W002/28241 relates to an encoded coffee packet for use in thepreparation of hot or cold beverages comprising a filter defining acavity and a brewing ingredient within the cavity. The packet furthercomprises a machine-interpretable feature located on the filter such asa color, a shape, a glyph, a text string, a barcode or a digitalwatermark.

W002/078498 relates to a machine-readable identifier on a portionpackage which contains ground coffee for espresso machine. Theidentifier can be a concentric barcode which is read when the capsuleturns around an axis which is placed outside of its perimeter such aswhen the capsule is stored in a carousel.

W02005044067 relates to a system for identifying a capsule having a codevisible under UV light printed thereon or a magnetic code such as aribbon or label. The code may be read by a turning magnetic readinghead. However, such system is not adapted for detecting a capsule in adevice using centrifugal forces for extracting the beverage.

W02009007292 relates to a method for reading barcodes in a drinksmachine when the brewing chamber is being closed from an open positionto a closed position.

W02010/026053 relates to a controlled beverage production device usingcentrifugal forces. The capsule may comprise a barcode provided on anoutside face of the capsule and which enables a detection of the type ofcapsule and/or the nature of ingredients provided within the capsule inorder to apply a predefined extraction profile for the beverage to beprepared.

A problem with identifying a capsule in a beverage preparation machineis that the retrieving or reading information from the capsule is notalways reliable or convenient. Moreover, the space available in themachine dedicated to the sensing device for reading this information maybe quite limited, rendering the reading of a relatively high amount ofdata difficult. The present invention brings solutions to theseproblems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide means for storing, reading andprocessing information related to a capsule, more particularlyinformation for identifying said capsule within a production machine andfor retrieving or reading information for adjusting working parametersof the machine and/or for controlling parameters for preparing abeverage with said capsule.

Another object is to control optimal conditions for preparing abeverage.

Another object is to provide a solution for reliably reading informationrelated to a capsule with a sensor disposed in the machine, for examplein the processing module/brewing unit of the machine, where availablespaces are quite limited and in a harsh environment (ingredients traces,presence of vapors and liquids, . . . ).

One or more of these objects are met by a support, a capsule, a deviceor a method according to the independent claim(s). The dependent claimsfurther provide solutions to these objects and/or additional benefits.

More particularly, according to a first aspect, the invention relates toa support adapted to be associated with, or part of, a capsule for thepreparation of a beverage. The support comprises a section on which atleast one sequence of symbols is represented so as that each symbol issequentially readable, by a reading arrangement of an external device,while the capsule is driven in rotation along an axis of rotation, eachsequence coding a set of information related to the capsule. Theexternal device may be embedded into the processing module/brewing unitof the machine. By providing sequentially readable symbols while thecapsule is driven in rotation, the amount of coded data may be raisedand/or the area covered by each symbol may be enlarged, improving theoverall reliability of the readings. By “sequentially” it should beunderstood that one or a limited number of symbols (less than the numberof symbols comprised in each sequence) are read at a given time: forinstance, each symbol can be read separately, or depending on thecapacities of the reading arrangement, a plurality of symbols can beread at time, for example 3 symbols at time for a sequence comprising 36symbols. As a consequence, at least one reading of all the symbolsincluded in all the sequences in the support can be performed by thereading arrangement after a 360 degrees rotation of the capsule aroundits axis of rotation.

In an embodiment, the support can be a part of the capsule itself. Inparticular, the support may be spread along the circumference or a partof the circumference of the capsule. The support can be further locatedclose to the peripheral edge of the capsule, the peripheral edge beingdefined as the outermost circular line of the capsule. These locationsare particularly advantageous since they offer both a large area for thesymbols to be disposed and are less prone to damages caused by theprocessing module and in particular by the pyramidal plate, and toingredients projections. As a consequence, the amount of codedinformation and the reliability of the readings are both improved.

The support can be part of or be formed directly on, the body of thecapsule. The support can also be disposed on the bottom side of the rimof the capsule. Typically, the distance of the support from theperipheral edge is not more than 10 mm, more preferably not more than 8mm. In particular, the support can be made of a paint and/or a lacquerand/or an embossed ply of material of the capsule itself.

In an embodiment, the support can be a separate part adapted to becoupled in rotation with a capsule. For instance, the support can be aring having a circumferential part on which the at least one sequence ofsymbols is represented, so as the user can positioned said ring on thecircumference of the capsule before introducing it into the brewing unitof the beverage machine. Consequently, a capsule without embedded meansfor storing information can be modified by mounting such a support so asto add such information. Depending on the configuration of the readingarrangement, the support can be positioned so as the section containingthe sequence of symbols is spread along the circumference or a part ofthe circumference of the body of the capsule, or on the bottom side ofthe rim of the capsule. The support may be simply disposed relatively tothe capsule without additional fixing means, the user ensuring that thesupport is correctly positioned when entering the brewing unit, or theforms and the dimensions of the support preventing it from movingrelatively to the capsule once mounted. Alternatively, the support maycomprise fixing means, like glue or mechanical means, to help thesupport staying fixed relatively to the capsule once mounted.

In particular, the set of information of at least one of the sequencesmay comprise information for recognizing a type associated to thecapsule, and/or one or a combination of items of the following list:

-   -   information related to parameters for preparing a beverage with        the capsule, such as the optimal rotational speeds, temperatures        of the water entering the capsule, temperatures of the collector        of the beverage outside the capsule, flow rates of the water        entering the capsule, sequence of operations during the        preparation process, etc;    -   information for retrieving locally and/or remotely parameters        for preparing a beverage with the capsule, for example an        identifier allowing the recognition of a type for the capsule;    -   information related to the manufacturing of the capsule, such a        production batch identifier, a date of production, a recommended        date of consumption, an expiration date, etc;    -   information for retrieving locally and/or remotely information        related to the manufacturing of the capsule.

Each set of information of at least one of the sequences may compriseredundant information. Hence, error-checking may be performed bycomparison. It also improves by the way the probability of a successfulreading of the sequence, should some parts of the sequence beunreadable. The set of information of at least one of the sequences mayalso comprises information for detecting errors, and/or for correctingerrors in said set of information. Information for detecting errors maycomprise repetition codes, parity bits, checksums, cyclic redundancychecks, cryptographic hash function data, etc. Information forcorrecting errors may comprise error-correcting codes, forward errorcorrection codes, and in particular, convolutional codes or block codes.

The symbols arranged in sequences are used to represent data conveyingthe set of information related to the capsule. For instance, eachsequence may represent an integer number of bits. Each symbol may encodeone or several binary bits. The data may also be represented bytransitions between symbols. The symbols may be arranged in the sequenceusing a modulation scheme, for example a line coding like a Manchestercoding.

Each symbol may be represented in the section by an entity having ameasurable characteristic, readable by the measuring arrangement, themeasurable characteristic varying according to the value conveyed bysaid symbol. Each symbol may be printed and/or embossed. The shape ofthe symbols may be chosen amongst the following non-exhaustive list:arch-shaped segments, segments which are individually rectilinear butextend along at least a part of the section, dots, polygons, geometricshapes. The symbols may be readable by an optical sensor included in thereading arrangement, the color and/or the shape of each symbol beingchosen according to the value of said symbol. The symbols may be printedby an ink which is not visible by human eyes under natural light e.g.,ink visible under UV. The symbols may be printed or embossed by apattern which possesses surfaces having different reflective and/orabsorbing properties to light. The pattern may possesses first surfaceshaving inclined mirroring or absorbing properties to light and secondsurfaces having flat minoring or flat reflective properties to light.Other variable physical characteristics may be chosen to distinguisheach symbol, for example the color, the reflectivity, the opacity, thelight absorption level, the magnetic field, the induced magnetic field,the resistivity, the capacity, etc. For instance, the sequence can becomposed with four different symbols coding respectively one of the fourset of data ‘00’, ‘01’, ‘10’, ‘11’, each symbol having the shape of adot or a square, and a black color or a 25% gray color. In this example,a black dot may code ‘00’, a gray dot ‘01’, a black square ‘10’, a graysquare to ‘11’.

In an embodiment, each sequence of symbols has a same fixed length, andmore particularly has a fixed number of symbols. The structure of thesequence being known, it may ease the recognition of each sequence bythe reading arrangement.

In an embodiment, at least one preamble symbol is represented in thesection, so as to allow the determination of a start and/or a stopposition in the section of each sequence. The preamble symbol is chosento be identified separately from the other symbols. It may have adifferent shape and/or physical characteristics compared with the othersymbols. Two adjacent sequences may have a common preamble symbol,representing the stop of one sequence and the start of the other one.

In an embodiment, at least one of the sequences comprises symbolsdefining a preamble sequence, so as to allow the determination of aposition of the symbols in said sequence coding the set of informationrelated to the capsule. The symbols defining a preamble may code a knownreserved sequence of bits, for example ‘10101010’.

In an embodiment, the preamble symbols and/or the preamble sequencescomprise information for authentifying the set of information, forexample a hash code or a cryptographic signature.

The reading arrangement may be configured to read sequentially thesymbols, i.e. to read a limited subset of symbols separately, the entiresequence of symbols being readable by the reading arrangement with thecomplete rotation of the capsule. For instance, the reading arrangementmay be configured to read one symbol at time, the symbols being spreadalong at least a eighth, preferably at least a quarter of thecircumference of the capsule or even more. This configuration allowsimproving the reliability of the readings since reading one symbol attime are easier, more reliable and generates less reading errors thanreadings the whole sequence at time. Moreover, the symbols being placedon a capsule along an arc-shaped line, the reading by a sweep beam maybe not appropriate, considering the limited available space in theextraction chamber, the large area to read and the expected reliability.The rotation of the capsule allows reading each symbol sequentially,without having to displace the sensor or its reading area.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a capsule for thepreparation of a beverage comprising a container and a beverageingredient contained therein, wherein the container comprises at leastone support according to the first aspect.

The capsule may have a circumference, wherein the section is arranged onthe container along 10 an arc-shaped or circular path of thecircumference. Each sequence may be arranged along at least a eighth ofthe circumference.

The container comprises for example a body and a lid connected to thebody and wherein the section of the support is present on the lid of thecontainer.

The section of the support may be present on the rim of the capsule, inparticular, on the bottom of the rim of the capsule which is opposed tothe lid or foil of the capsule.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a system forpreparing a beverage from a capsule according to the second aspect or acombination of a capsule and a support according to the first aspect,and further comprising a beverage preparation device. The devicecomprises capsule holding means for holding the capsule and rotationaldrive means for driving the holding means and capsule in rotation alongsaid axis of rotation and reading means arranged for reading thesequences of symbols in the section when the capsule is rotated alongsaid axis. The reading means may comprise a light emitter and a lightsensor or an inductive sensor. The optical reading means or inductivesensor may be arranged to read the sequences on the rim of the capsule.

According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method forpreparing a beverage from a system according to the third aspect,wherein the beverage is extracted from the capsule by rotating thecapsule along said axis. The sequences may be read at a first rotationalspeed and the beverage may be extracted from the capsule at a secondrotational speed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention will be better understood thanks to the detaileddescription which follows and the accompanying drawings, which are givenas non-limiting examples of embodiments of the invention, namely:

FIG. 1 illustrates the basic principle of the centrifugal extraction,

FIG. 2 illustrates a support according to the invention;

FIG. 3, 4 illustrates a reading method of a symbol on the lid surface ofthe capsule,

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternate position of the sequence on the capsule,in particular, when placed on the underside of the rim of the capsule,and the capsule fitted into a capsule holder of the extraction device,

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the combination of a laser source and adetector in positive and negative detection, for example, for thealternate position of the sequence of FIG. 5 ,

FIG. 8 illustrates the detection of a color symbol on the capsule, forexample, for the alternate position of the sequence of FIG. 5 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a beverage preparation system 1 asdescribed in W02010/026053 for which the capsule of the invention can beused.

The centrifugal unit 2 comprises a centrifugal cell 3. The cell 3 maycomprise a capsule holder and a capsule received therein. Thecentrifugal unit is connected to driving means 5 such as a rotary motor.The centrifugal unit comprises a collecting part and an outlet 35. Areceptacle 48 can be disposed below the outlet to collect the extractedbeverage. The system further comprises liquid supply means such as awater reservoir 6 and a fluid circuit 4. Heating means 31 may also beprovided in the reservoir or along the fluid circuit. The liquid supplymeans may further comprise a pump 7 connected to the reservoir. A flowrestriction means 19 is provided to create a restriction to the flow ofthe centrifuged liquid which leaves the capsule. The system may furthercomprise a flow meter such as a flow-metering turbine 8 for providing acontrol of the flow rate of water supplied in the cell 3. The counter 11can be connected to the flow-metering turbine 8 to enable an analysis ofthe generated impulse data 10. The analyzed data is then transferred tothe processor 12. Accordingly, the exact actual flow rate of the liquidwithin the fluid circuit 4 can be calculated in real-time. A userinterface 13 may be provided to allow the user to input information thatis transmitted to the control unit 9. Further characteristics of thesystem can be found in W02010/026053.

In the following examples (see FIG. 5 ), the capsule comprises acup-shaped body 69 extending by a flange-like rim 73. A lid such as afoil or membrane (liquid-tight or permeable to liquid) 60 is connectedto the body, e.g., sealed on the rim. The capsule is filled withbeverage ingredient such as ground coffee.

The capsule is designed for rotating around an axis A. This axis Acrosses perpendicularly the center of the membrane which has the form ofa disk. This axis A exits at the center of the bottom of the body. Thisaxis A will help to define the notion of “circumference” which is acircular path located on the capsule and having the axis A as referenceaxis. This circumference can be on the lid, e.g., membrane or on thebody part such as on the flange-like rim. The lid may be impervious toliquid before insertion in the device or it may be pervious to liquid bymeans of small openings or pores provided in the center and/or peripheryof the lid.

Referring to FIG. 2 , a support 20 is illustrated. The support 20 isadapted to be associated with, or be a part of, a capsule for thepreparation of a beverage. The support 20 comprises a section 22 onwhich at least one sequence S1, S2, S3, S4 of symbols 24 is representedso as that each symbol is sequentially readable, by a readingarrangement of an external device, while the capsule is driven inrotation along the axis A of rotation, each sequence coding a set ofinformation related to the capsule. In particular, the set ofinformation of at least one of the sequences may comprise informationfor recognizing a type associated to the capsule, and/or one or acombination of items of the following list:

-   -   information related to parameters for preparing a beverage with        the capsule, such as the optimal rotational speeds, temperatures        of the water entering the capsule, temperatures of the collector        of the beverage outside the capsule, flow rates of the water        entering the capsule, sequence of operations during the        preparation process, etc;    -   information for retrieving locally and/or remotely parameters        for preparing a beverage with the capsule, for example an        identifier allowing the recognition of a type for the capsule;    -   information related to the manufacturing of the capsule, such a        production batch identifier, a date of production, a recommended        date of consumption, an expiration date, etc;    -   information for retrieving locally and/or remotely information        related to the manufacturing of the capsule.

Each set of information of at least one of the sequences may compriseredundant information. Hence, error-checking may be performed bycomparison. It also improves by the way the probability of a successfulreading of the sequence, should some parts of the sequence beunreadable. The set of information of at least one of the sequences mayalso comprises information for detecting errors, and/or for correctingerrors in said set of information. Information for detecting errors maycomprise repetition codes, parity bits, checksums, cyclic redundancychecks, cryptographic hash function data, etc. Information forcorrecting errors may comprise error-correcting codes, forward errorcorrection codes, and in particular, convolutional codes or block codes.

The symbols arranged in sequences are used to represent data conveyingthe set of information related to the capsule. For instance, eachsequence may represent an integer number of bits. Each symbol may encodeone or several binary bits. The data may also be represented bytransitions between symbols. The symbols may be arranged in the sequenceusing a modulation scheme, for example a line coding like a Manchestercoding.

Each symbol may be represented in the section by an entity having ameasurable characteristic, readable by the measuring arrangement, themeasurable characteristic varying according to the value conveyed bysaid symbol. Each symbol may be printed and/or embossed. The shape ofthe symbols may be chosen amongst the following non-exhaustive list:arch-shaped segments, segments which are individually rectilinear butextend along at least a part of the section, dots, polygons, geometricshapes. The symbols may be readable by an optical sensor included in thereading arrangement, the color and/or the shape of each symbol beingchosen according to the value of said symbol. The symbols may be printedby an ink which is not visible by human eyes under natural light e.g.,ink visible under UV. The symbols may be printed or embossed by apattern which possesses surfaces having different reflective and/orabsorbing properties to light. The pattern may possesses first surfaceshaving inclined mirroring or absorbing properties to light and secondsurfaces having flat mirroring or flat reflective properties to light.Other variable physical characteristics may be chosen to distinguisheach symbol, for example the color, the reflectivity, the opacity, thelight absorption level, the magnetic field, the induced magnetic field,the resistivity, the capacity, etc. For instance, the sequence can becomposed with four different symbols coding respectively one of the fourset of data ‘00’, ‘01’, ‘10’, ‘11’, each symbol having the shape of adot or a square, and a black color or a 25% gray color. In this example,a black dot may code ‘00’, a gray dot ‘01’, a black square ‘10’, a graysquare to ‘11’.

In an embodiment, each sequence of symbols has a same fixed length, andmore particularly has a fixed number of symbols. The structure of thesequence being known, it may ease the recognition of each sequence bythe reading arrangement.

In an embodiment, at least one preamble symbol is represented in thesection, so as to allow the determination of a start and/or a stopposition in the section of each sequence. The preamble symbol is chosento be identified separately from the other symbols. It may have adifferent shape and/or physical characteristics compared with the othersymbols. Two adjacent sequences may have a common preamble symbol,representing the stop of one sequence and the start of the other one.

In an embodiment, at least one of the sequences comprises symbolsdefining a preamble sequence, so as to allow the determination of aposition of the symbols in said sequence coding the set of informationrelated to the capsule. The symbols defining a preamble may code a knownreserved sequence of bits, for example ‘10101010’.

In an embodiment, the preamble symbols and/or the preamble sequencescomprise information for authentifying the set of information, forexample a hash code or a cryptographic signature.

In an embodiment, the support can be a part of the capsule itself. Inparticular, the support may be spread along the circumference or a partof the circumference of the capsule. The support can be further locatedclose to the peripheral edge of the capsule, the peripheral edge beingdefined as the outermost circular line of the capsule. These locationsare particularly advantageous since they offer both a large area for thesymbols to be disposed and are less prone to damages caused by theprocessing module and in particular by the pyramidal plate, and toingredients projections. As a consequence, the amount of codedinformation and the reliability of the readings are both improved.

The support can be part of, or be formed directly on, the body of thecapsule. The support can also be disposed on the bottom side of the rimof the capsule. Typically, the distance of the support from theperipheral edge is not more than 10 mm, more preferably not more than 8mm. In particular, the support can be made of a paint and/or a lacquerand/or an embossed ply of material of the capsule itself.

In an embodiment, the support can be a separate part adapted to becoupled in rotation with a capsule. For instance, the support can be aring having a circumferential part on which the at least one sequence ofsymbols is represented, so as the user can positioned said ring on thecircumference of the capsule before introducing it into the brewing unitof the beverage machine Consequently, a capsule without embedded meansfor storing information can be modified by mounting such a support so asto add such information. Depending on the configuration of the readingarrangement, the support can be positioned so as the section containingthe sequence of symbols is spread along the circumference or a part ofthe circumference of the body of the capsule, or on the bottom side ofthe rim of the capsule. The support may be simply disposed relatively tothe capsule without additional fixing means, the user ensuring that thesupport is correctly positioned when entering the brewing unit, or theforms and the dimensions of the support preventing it from movingrelatively to the capsule once mounted. Alternatively, the support maycomprise fixing means, like glue or mechanical means, to help thesupport staying fixed relatively to the capsule once mounted.

The symbols are spread along the circumference or a part of thecircumference of the support. The code may comprise successivearch-shaped segments. The symbols may also comprise successive segmentswhich are individually rectilinear but extend along at least a part ofthe circumference. According to one embodiment, the sensor cannot readthe symbols without the rotation of the capsule. More particularly thesensor cannot read all the symbols included in each sequence without therotation of the capsule. This is the case where the symbols are spreadalong at least a eighth, preferably at least a quarter of thecircumference or even more. The fact that the symbols are placed alongan arc-shaped line render the reading by a sweep beam very difficult.This is why the rotation of the capsule plays an important role. In casethat the code is located on the body, it is then necessary to rotate thecapsule to have access, for the sensor, to the entire set of symbolscomposing the sequence. The symbols arc further located close to theperipheral edge of the capsule. The peripheral edge is defined as theoutermost circular line of the capsule. Preferably, the distance of thecode from the peripheral edge is not more than 10 mm, more preferablynot more than 8 mm.

According to an embodiment, the symbols are printed by an ink which isnot visible by human eyes under natural light (e.g., ink visible underUV). In this case, the sensor further comprises a UV-light beam sourceand a UV detector.

The sequence is preferably repeated along the circumference in order toensure a reliable reading. The sequence is repeated at least twice onthe circumference. Preferably, the sequence is repeated three to sixtimes on the circumference. Repetition of the sequence means that thesame sequence is duplicated and the successive sequences are positionedin series along the circumference so that upon a 360-degree rotation ofthe capsule, the same sequence can be detected or read more than onetime.

EXAMPLES

1) Optical Reading on Foil, Respectively on Top Side Rim of Capsule,with a Support Formed Directly on the Capsule (FIGS. 3 and 4 ):

A light beam is projected onto the capsule's lid, e.g., membrane or foil60, as illustrated on FIG. 3 .

Directly onto the capsule foil 60, a plurality of symbols forming thesequences 61 is applied along a circular or arc-shaped path.

Preferably, the support is placed or formed on a flat portion of the lidand close to the peripheral edge of the capsule. The support ispreferably placed the lid that is supported by the flange-like rim ofthe capsule or overlaps with the rim. Hence, the support is notdistorted due to mechanical constraints and the sequences can be readmore reliably.

The symbols may be represented by:

-   -   Mirroring or absorbing surfaces, coding a binary value of “0”        and,    -   Diffusing and reflective surfaces for coding a binary value of        “1”

The values “0” and “1” are arbitrary chosen and can be inversed.

The sequence is read by rotating the capsule along a central axis A(FIG. 1 ).

The reader or sensor 62 is part of the centrifugal unit 2 and consistsof

-   -   A light source with or without focusing optic and    -   A light sensor with or without focusing optic.

The light can be:

-   -   Non polarized or    -   Polarized (laser) or    -   Spectrum: Any, but preferably infra red.

The support can be formed on the capsule by:

-   -   Printing (absorbing/reflecting+diffusing), visible, invisible or    -   Embossing (mirroring+rough reflecting+diffusing) or    -   Laser engraving.

Optionally, the symbols may also be represented by different colorpatterns combined with a color reading device. The combination ofdifferent colors and reading at a specific rotational speed results in awell defined “mixed color”. As an example, a capsule with half thecircumference in blue and the other half in yellow would result inreading a green color during rotation. In the same manner, one third inblue and the remaining part in yellow will give another color. In thiscase, the light could by a simple light source without specificconvergence means.

As illustrated in FIG. 3 , when the light beam 63, sent by the lightsource of the sensor 62, touches one of the symbols 65 it reflects in areflective beam 64 which is not received by the sensor.

As the capsule is rotated (FIG. 4 ), the light beam 63 touches anothersymbol represented by a diffuse reflecting surface (surface between thesmall rectangles) and is partially reflected to the sensor. A reflectivebeam 66 is received by the sensor whereas other beams 67, 68 arediffused or reflected outside the sensor.

2) Optical Reading on Rim Bottom Side of Capsule (FIGS. 5 to 8 ):

The capsule 7 may comprise a support mounted having at least onesequence 70, and mounted on the bottom side 72 of the rim 73 of thecapsule. The symbols are represented by small rectangular surfaceshaving light mirroring properties and intermediate surfaces having flatmirroring and/or diffusing properties. The surfaces are arranged in acircular pattern or at least along an angular portion of the rim.

A light beam 74 is projected to the capsule's rim 73.

The symbols may be represented by:

-   -   Inclined mirroring or (flat) absorbing surfaces coding a binary        value of “0” and    -   Flat mirroring or flat reflective (diffusing) surfaces coding a        binary value of “I”. The sequence is read by rotating the        capsule along its central axis A.

The reader may consist of

-   -   A light source with/without focusing optic and,    -   A light sensor with/without focusing optic.

The light can be:

-   -   Non polarized or    -   Polarized (laser) or    -   Spectrum: Any, but preferably infra red.

The code can be applied on the capsule by:

-   -   Printing (absorbing/reflecting+diffusing), visible, invisible        or,    -   Laser engraving (e.g. for absorbing/reflecting-diffusing)        surfaces or,    -   Embossing: Flat and inclined mirroring surfaces.

In the embodiment of the FIG. 5 , the light source is placed at thebottom of the centrifugal cell 3. This cell is light conductive allowingthe beam to reach the bottom side 72 of its rim 73. The reflected lightis conducted by the transparent (or light conductive) centrifugal cell 3to reach the sensor 62. In case that the sensor 62 cannot be alignedwith the transparent part of the centrifugal cell 3, a mirror can beplaced as illustrated in the FIG. 5 to deflect the forward and backwardbeams.

On FIG. 6 , the light beam 74 from the light source “L” touches themirror surface of the symbol 81 and is reflected into a reflective beam76 to the sensor “S” with high intensity. A bit such as “0” or “1” isthereby provided to the control unit.

On FIG. 7 , the light beam 74 from the light source “L” touchesdiffusing or absorbing surfaces (symbol 82). The light beam 77 thatreaches the sensor is of small intensity. Other beams such as beam 78are diffused outside the sensor S due to the diffusing properties of thesurface.

A bit such as “1” or “0” is provided to the control unit.

Therefore, the number of symbols depends on the number and specificarrangement of mirror surfaces (e.g. rectangles) and diffusing orabsorbing surfaces (e.g., zones between the rectangles). The sequencecan be repeated several times on the circumference of the rim. Thisrepetition provides redundancy and more reliability to the reading.

Optionally (FIG. 8 ), the symbols are represented by different colorpatterns combined with a color reading device. The combination ofdifferent colors and reading at a specific rotational speed results in awell defined “mixed color”. As an example, a capsule with half the“dots” in blue and the other half in yellow would result in reading agreen color during rotation.

3) Mounting of the Support onto a Capsule

The support can be directly formed by different methods onto a capsulesuch as by:

-   -   Printing or mechanical deforming on a formed capsule or,    -   Printing or mechanical deforming on the capsule raw material        (foil) before container forming or,    -   Printing on outer surface of a capsule container or—Printing on        the inner surface of a capsule container, using the curl as        information support (Aluminum capsule technology). The support        can also be a separate part adapted to be mounted/coupled in        rotation with a capsule. The support can be positioned onto said        ring on the circumference of the capsule before introducing it        into the brewing unit of the beverage machine The support may be        simply disposed relatively to the capsule without additional        fixing means, the user ensuring that the support are correctly        positioned when entering the brewing unit, or the forms and the        dimensions of the support preventing it from moving relatively        to the capsule once mounted. The support may also be mounted        using fixing means, like glue or mechanical means, to help the        support staying fixed relatively to the capsule once mounted.

4) Inductive Sequence Reading:

In another embodiment, the symbols provided on a metallic surface of thesupport are sensed using an inductive sensor. The symbols are formed byreliefs or recesses in the metallic surface. For instance, the supportcomprises a circumferential metal rim which comprises a succession ofdiscrete slots and/or bumps. When the capsule is rotated about itscentral axis, the rim is moved relative to the sensor such that theslots and/or bumps are detected. The sequence can be read on a time baseof a CPU of the beverage preparation device. The maximum rotationalspeed to read the sequence depends on the used sensor and the internalCPU of the device.

5) Other General Characteristics to all Embodiments:

The speed for reading can, for instance, be comprised between 0.1 and1000 rpm.

When reading the sequence, liquid can already fed in the capsule forproviding a pre-wetting of the beverage ingredients.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system for preparing a beverage from acapsule comprising a container and a beverage ingredient containedtherein, wherein the container comprises at least one support adapted tobe associated with, or part of, a capsule for preparation of a beverage,the capsule comprising a section on which at least one sequence ofsymbols is represented so as that each symbol is sequentially readableby a reading arrangement while the capsule is rotated along an axis ofrotation, each sequence coding a set of information related to thecapsule, the system comprises a beverage preparation device comprising acapsule holder for holding the capsule and rotational driver for drivingthe holder and capsule in rotation along the axis of rotation, thebeverage preparation device comprising the reading arrangementconfigured for reading the sequences of symbols in the section when thecapsule is rotated along said axis; wherein the section is arranged onthe container along an arc-shaped or circular path of a circumference ofthe capsule, wherein the section is present on a rim of the capsule, andwherein the section is present on a bottom of the rim of the capsulewhich is opposed to the lid or foil of the capsule.
 2. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the reader comprises a light emitter and alight sensor or an inductive sensor.
 3. The system according to claim 1,wherein the optical reader or inductive sensor is arranged to read thesequences on the rim of the capsule.
 4. A capsule for preparation of abeverage, the capsule comprising a container and a beverage ingredientcontained therein, wherein the container comprises at least one supportcomprising a section on which at least one sequence of symbols isrepresented so that each symbol is sequentially readable, by a readingarrangement of an external device, while the capsule is rotated along anaxis of rotation, each sequence coding a set of information related tothe capsule; wherein the section is arranged on the container along anarc-shaped or circular path of a circumference of the capsule, whereinthe section is present on a rim of the capsule, and wherein the sectionis present on a bottom of the rim of the capsule which is opposed to thelid or foil of the capsule.
 5. The capsule according to claim 4 whereinthe support is permanently attached or placed on the capsule, or, isremovably connected.
 6. The capsule according to claim 4, wherein eachsequence is arranged along at least an eighth of the circumference. 7.The capsule according to claim 4, wherein the container comprises a bodyand a lid connected to the body and the section is present on the lid ofthe container.
 8. A method for preparing a beverage from a systemcomprising a container and a beverage ingredient contained therein,wherein the container comprises at least one support adapted to beassociated with, or part of, a capsule for the preparation of abeverage, comprising a section on which at least one sequence of symbolsis represented so that each symbol is sequentially readable, by areading arrangement of an external device, comprising rotating thecapsule along an axis of rotation so that the symbols are read, eachsequence coding a set of information related to the capsule, andextracting the beverage from the capsule by rotating the capsule alongthe axis; wherein the section is arranged on the container along anarc-shaped or circular path of a circumference of the capsule, whereinthe section is present on a rim of the capsule, and wherein the sectionis present on a bottom of the rim of the capsule which is opposed to thelid or foil of the capsule.
 9. The method according to claim 8, whereinthe symbols are read at a first rotational speed and the beverage isextracted from the capsule at a second rotational speed.